ARTIST FEATURE: SYCCO

10 NOV 2020

Sycco has taken the Australian music scene by storm with her singles Dribble, Peacemaker and Nicotine. Over the past year she has performed at gigs like Laneway and BIGSOUND, and has also supported artists such as Vera Blue and Spacey Jane. Her music brings psychedelic jazz elements to catchy pop melodies, resulting in tunes full of infectious, groovy energy. Sasha spoke to us about connecting with her Torres Strait Islander heritage, her musical influences, and the advice she has for aspiring indigenous artists. 

Roundhouse: Hey Sycco! Here at the Roundy, we would like to acknowledge the Bidjigal and Gadigal people of the Eora nation as the traditional custodians of the land. This week is NAIDOC week and we are celebrating all artists of Aboriginal and indigenous decent. Congratulations on receiving the Triple J unearthed level up grant for the indigenous category as well as climbing the national indigenous music charts! Last month you revealed in a Triple J interview that you began connecting to your family story and your Torres Strait Islander heritage relatively recently. How has this influenced your music and art, or do you have plans to explore this in your future work?

Sycco: Definitely the more I learn the more it influences my perspective and that will be transparent into my music. I’m still unsure whether I’m super conscious when I’m writing! 


Roundhouse: Who or what are your musical influences? Are there any particular artists, muses, or places that you particularly draw inspiration from? 

Sycco: I look up to Tame Impala and Charli XCX the most, I find their hustle and their ability to evolve so admirable. Also just every day life, the present I am in when I am writing is super inspiring of course.


Roundhouse: You joined us right here in the Roundy earlier this year supporting Vera Blue. How was that experience for you?

Sycco: So much fun! Thank you for letting me play in your beautiful venue! The band and I drove down from Brisbane and on the way back home in the last hour Tame Impala release their latest album ‘The Slow Rush’ so it was super special listening to it together. I actually fell asleep in the middle of it though… 


Roundhouse: You have come a long way since the days of recording and producing hits from your own bedroom. Kudos for dropping ‘Dribble’. Where did you record this track?

Sycco: I wrote this track with Ed Quinn from Slum Sociable in Melbourne but I actually recorded the vocals & the guitar synth riff in my bedroom! 


Roundhouse: What advice would you give upcoming indigenous artists looking to make their mark in the music industry? 

Sycco: Reach out to everyone & hustle. Send emails to everyone; people want to hear your music. If music is something you want to do, just do it & know you will do it. 


Roundhouse: Thanks so much for joining us today back here in the Roundy, just before you go are you able to give us the 4-1-1 on: 

1. If your career didn’t revolve around music, what would you be doing instead? 

Sycco: I honestly have no idea, I never think about this question. Maybe little me wanted to be a soccer player for a little bit. 

2. Controversial: What’s the best form of a potato? (Mash, Chips, Hash browns, wedges or crisps) Sycco: For sure just chips. 

3. What’s your go-to drink to order at the bar? 

Sycco: At the moment it’s just a pale ale on tap. Its just so awesome.